Wauwatosa's
July 4th Parade - All Welcome to Walk or Ride
Going to Kansas City...
Pauline Scribner Celebrates
1000th Birthday
Minister's Musings.... Not Much Lazy with
the Crazy
PF Place
Adult Spiritual Formation Opportunities
God and Me Program Coming This Fall
Children's Sunday Showcased Extreme Faith
Seeking Lay Leaders to Vision Family Retreat
VBS 2005–Jerusalem Marketplace
Wauwatosa’s
July 4th Parade –
All are welcome to walk or ride!
Meet at the float, across from Mayfair Mall, between 107th and 106th Streets, at 8:00 a.m. on July 4th. The parade is 1.75 miles long, from 105th Street to 80th Street. Wear your church shirt or red, white and blue as we honor America in the Wauwatosa 4th of July Parade. Questions? Contact Carrie Kreps Wegenast, (414) 258-7375. Pictured below are some of last year’s marchers in front of the our steeple float.
Several of our ministers and members headed to Kansas City for
the 51st Annual Meeting of the National Association of Congregational Christian
Churches (NACCC), held June 26-29. Representing our congregation as delegate
is our moderator Harry Holz. The Revs. Peay and Schaal are serving as alternate
delegates.
Our own church member, the Rev. Dan Schowalter, is featured as the Bible Lecturer
this year, one of the two major speakers of the entire Annual Meeting. Dan
is chair of the Religion Department at Carthage College in Kenosha and is active
in a number of professional religious endeavors, notably as an assistant director
at the Omrit excavation in northern Israel.
The Institute for Congregational Studies is sponsoring two panels, which engage
two of our ministers. The Rev. Samuel Schaal is on a panel (with Dr. Peay)
to discuss “Toward an Accountable Ministry—Credentialing of Our
Clergy.” This panel is in response to much discussion on the NACCC website
regarding Sam’s paper on the subject presented to the Wisconsin Theological
Society, advocating a return to Congregational ministerial credentialing in
our wider fellowship and noting the educational decline of our clergy. Dr.
Peay is on a panel looking at the 1913 Kansas City Statement of Faith (it’s
on page 512 of our Pilgrim Hymnal), and the role of confessional faith statements
in Congregational history.
On July 2, 2005, Pauline Scribner will be 100 years young...
and still dancing. She is possibly the most youthful century-old individual
you’ll meet. With more than thirty years as a YMCA member under her belt,
she still regularly attends folk dance classes and only gave up water aerobics
in the last year. “I have no difficulty moving around,” said Pauline. “I’m
very fortunate in that way.” Pauline, actually, can boast fantastic health
with no medications needed.
At 95, Pauline moved from her 68th Street home where she lived for 54 years.
She now lives in an apartment at Harwood Place. “She went into the move
saying she would like it,” said Pauline’s daughter, Lynn Kaishian. “She
was wrong–she LOVES it.” A very social person, Pauline enjoys the
many activities of the senior retirement community as well as her friendly
neighbors. With a beautiful wooded view out of her 6th floor window, she loves
watching the sunsets and can see all the way over to the Mayfair Towers, lit
in the evening.
Pauline grew up in Iowa, graduating high school at 16. Too young to enroll
in college, she took a position as a teaching assistant at a school in Illinois,
earning $80 per month. When she was old enough she enrolled in an Illinois
convent, but left after one year for the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
In 1926, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history.
Pauline taught at Janesville High School for eight years before getting fired.
She married Don Scribner and at that time, only single women were allowed to
teach.
Don and Pauline moved to Wauwatosa and joined First Congregational Church in
1950. While Don died in 1972, Pauline continues to be an active member including
volunteer work and involvement in a Circle.
From 1960 to 1990, Pauline also volunteered as a teacher with the Laubach Literary
Society in Milwaukee.
In addition to the activities already mentioned, Pauline regularly meets for
coffee with a group of friends at the Y, goes to exercise class and is a member
of the League of Women Voters.
When asked to compare what stands out in her memory from childhood as compared
to what children today experience, Pauline answered, “I remember sitting
in school and knitting scarves for soldiers fighting in World War I.” Living
through the two World Wars and the others, she said she has a very hard time
making any sense of the current war. “I guess each generation finds their
own way,” said Pauline.
So, how will this remarkable woman celebrate her 100th birthday?
From Maine to California, Minnesota to Arizona, family is coming from all
corners of the
map to celebrate. With a family which now includes four children, 14 grandchildren,
13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, they’re having
a party of more than 50 family members alone. While they didn’t want
friends to feel slighted, they wanted the guest of honor to have enough time
with family members who will only be in town briefly. There will be a dinner
at Harwood Place and a luncheon at Crystal Ridge. Additionally, friends at
the YMCA are having a party and church members are invited to celebrate at
the coffee hour on July 10.
Happy birthday, Pauline!
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“We can sing a song of cheer
this summer...”
“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer/Dust off the sun and
moon and sing a song of cheer.” I remember my father singing along with
Nat King Cole as he puttered around the garage on a summer Saturday. We like
to think about summer as lazy and hazy, but it seems as though more things
are going on than ever! Even though we go to just one service of worship in
the summer, there are still a number of classes, groups and meetings which
keep on going – and growing like the gardens we’ve planted!
While we should take some time for a little slowing down and quiet refreshment – there’s
nothing wrong with a little lazy to go along with the hazy and the crazy – we
continue to move forward as God’s gathered people here on Church Street.
We rejoice in the wonderful celebrations of Children’s Sunday and the
impressive leadership our youth exercised on PF and Youth Sunday. Parker Hoerz’s
good words on serving God in every aspect of our lives and Ryan Schowalter’s
reflections on gratitude for all of God’s gifts were moving and profound.
Good reminders that we should constantly examine ourselves to see if our actions
and our attitudes match the faith we profess.
We can sing a song of cheer this summer because we have received a generous
gift of $50,000 to begin an endowment of our church’s music program.
The donors are church members who wish to remain anonymous, but we should sing
a little “Doxology” in our hearts for folks who think of their
church and give from their hearts.
I would encourage our members to think seriously about considering the work
of First Congregational Church when planning their estates. For a church of
our age and size, the endowment is not as ample as it should, or could, be.
So, please, think about endowing your pledge so that the work of the church
can continue. Or think about giving a gift to one of our endowment funds, or
establishing a fund to support some aspect of the work here that has touched
your heart and your life.
Remember the church in your will, please, it does make a difference. Our Planned
Giving committee will be producing some materials in the months ahead designed
to help you as you make those important decisions and to offer some additional
options. Should you have questions in the meantime, please contact me.
Do you remember the annual beginning of school essay, “What I did on
my summer vacation”? As I survey my calendar for the coming months I
would have far more material than I did when I was a kid growing up on the
west side of Indianapolis! Early June took me to Boston to the American Congregational
Association meeting, where I was elected to the board of directors. It is the
corporate body which owns and operates the Congregational Library at 14 Beacon
Street (check out the website at www.14beacon.org). The library is common ground
for all the various branches of Congregationalism and I feel quite privileged
to serve in this capacity. The fiftieth anniversary meeting of the National
Association of Congregational Christian Churches begins on June 26 in Kansas
City. FCC will be well represented.
In July Julie and I will be traveling to Greece for the quadrennial meeting
of the International Congregational Fellowship. This is also the thirtieth
anniversary of the founding of ICF. Rev. Dr. Janet Wootton is the moderator.
While there I will participate in the meetings of the assembly, lead a workshop
on the Congregational theology of the church, and attend meetings of the Theological
Commission. I am particularly excited to meet Congregationalists from all around
the world and to have the opportunity to experience new church starts in Albania,
which had been the world’s only formally atheistic country. I will have
much to report, I’m sure.
August has me traveling to do weddings for church members in other parts of
the country, teaching a seminar on Congregational polity and theology in Boston
(Carrie Kreps Wegenast will be one of my students) and then preaching at King’s
Chapel. The Rev. Earl Holt, minister of King’s Chapel, will be coming
to FCC to preach in January.
I guess what I’m saying is, while I’m in the pulpit well over 80%
of the time, there will be several weeks in summer when you’ll be seeing
Sam or Carrie. I want you to know that I’m not “running loose,” but
fulfilling my position description which calls on me to represent FCC to the
wider Congregational world. So for me, summer may be hazy and crazy, but not
very often lazy! And really, it shouldn’t be. This is a wonderful season
of warmth and growth and what we see in nature is, I believe, being reflected
in our life together here at First Congregational Church. Have a delightful
summer, look for God in the fun and relaxation. Do take some time for quiet
and don’t forget that we’re here for you! Be blessed and be safe!
Yours in the Lord’s service,
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Senior Minister
Are you going to camp? There is still time to sign up!
Forms and information are available in the church office. Not going, but want
to send your friends a note? You can write them at:
Their Name
c/o Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center
W6016 Blackhawk Road
P.O Box 676
Wautoma, WI 54982
Did you see that we are going to play games at church on July 5th and August
9th at 2 p.m.?
Just show up with a bottle of water and your running shoes.
Friends are welcome.
Want to do something this summer but need a group to do it?
E-mail Carrie with your ideas.
Future Sixth Graders!
Join us for our summer activities. Come play games or bake cookies! Meet the
future seventh and eighth graders before the school year starts.
Summer Trivia
The first person to e-mail, AIM, or call Carrie with the correct answer will
be treated for ice cream at the place of his or her choice.
Q – What does the word Synoptic mean? How does this word relate to the
Bible? Answers must include an example. Hint: The Greek form of Synoptic is
synoptikos.
Youth Calendar
July
5 Games! @ the church. Bring your running shoes! (2:00 p.m.)
8 The Drive-In presents Monsters, Inc. in the Social Hall (6:30 p.m.)
10-16 WCA Summer Camp @ Mt. Morris
17-23 Nehemiah Project-sponsored Civil Rights Tour
27 Let’s bake cookies @ the church (2:30 p.m.)
29 The Drive-In presents October Sky on Ridge Court (9:00 p.m.)
August
5 Putt-Putt with youth VBS volunteers (we will go after the VBS party and clean
up)
9 Games! @ the church. Bring your running shoes! (2 p.m.)
22 Senior PF goes out to Dinner (6:00 p.m. – Restaurant TBA)
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SUNDAY
Lectionary Bible Study
8:45 to 9:45 a.m.
Engages the four lectionary
texts used in worship.
TUESDAY
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
9:00 a.m.
The Gospel of Mark
WEDNESDAY
Women’s Bible Study
6:30 a.m.
The Gospel of Mark
Men’s Ministry
6:30 a.m.
1st & 3rd Wednesdays–
Bible Study
2nd & 4th Wednesdays–
Theology discussion
Prayer & Pilates (for women)
9:30 a.m.
Stretching and strengthening your body and soul
SATURDAY
Saturday Morning Women’s Group
8 a.m. every other Saturday
Fellowship, service and study
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God and Me, a program for first, second, and third graders and their parents,
is designed to correspond with the religious component of Boy or Girl Scouts,
but is open to all children who are interested in growing in their Christian
faith, witnessing how others have translated their beliefs into actions,
and participating in Christian service.
The program, led by Rev. Carrie Kreps Wegenast, will include five Sunday classes,
from 3:00–4:00 p.m. on Sept. 11 and 25, October 23, and Nov. 6 and 20.
Participants will then meet individually with Carrie in December before receiving
their award on Children’s Sunday 2006. Attendance of the child and one
parent is requested at all sessions. Pre-registration and a $10 fee are required
before the first class. To better facilitate fellowship and learning, the class
will be limited to ten participants and their parents. The church hopes to
offer God and Family, a program for fourth and fifth graders in the spring
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The Pioneer Club held its first car wash at church on Saturday,
June 4th. The weather was perfect and thanks to the many hard-working children
and dirty cars a total of $259 was raised. All the proceeds will be sent to
help support the school in Dodji, Africa, that many of the Pioneer Club pen
pals attend.
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Families – come with your kids, your blanket, and your lawn chairs for
two exciting movie-viewing opportunities. July 8th we will watch Monsters,
Inc., an animated story about the largest “scare factory in the monster
world.” If you have ever been afraid of the monsters in your closet,
join us at 6:30 p.m. on July 8th in the Social Hall.
On July 29th, at 9:00 p.m., we will sit outside on Ridge Court for October
Sky, the story of a group of boys in a mining town who decide to enter a rocket
in the National Science Fair. It is a story of community, friendship and hope.
Family discussion guides will be provided at each film with donations accepted
for popcorn and lemonade.
This event is open to the community so please invite your neighbors and friends.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Children’s Sunday Showcased Extreme Faith
Children’s Sunday took place on June 5th. This year’s
theme was “Extreme Faith.” Sunday school classes of 4-year-olds
through 8th grade were asked to present to the congregation performances which
would showcase what they had learned throughout the year. Some classes sang
songs; others read favorite bible passages or talked about bible characters
they admire because of their extreme faith. A few classes wrote and presented
plays or skits and the 6th, 7th and 8th graders assumed the roles of liturgists
and ushers. It was apparent that the students have been working hard and have
learned a lot during the 2004-2005 school year. Special thanks to all of the
dedicated and hard-working teachers who taught during the year.
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Seeking Lay Leaders to Vision Family Retreat
VBS 2005 –
Jerusalem Marketplace
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in Bible times?
What did kids do for fun back then? What would you have done when you heard
of Jesus’ death?
If you’d like to know the answers to questions like these and more, join
us at Vacation Bible School, August 1– 5, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. “Jerusalem
Marketplace” immerses learners in Bible-times culture. Children will
experience new traditions, taste new foods, try new arts and crafts projects
and discover Jesus’ unfailing love for each of us.
At Jerusalem Marketplace, everyone gathers for a brief time of worship at the
gathering before joining their tribes for small group interaction.
Kids will learn to connect their experiences in Jerusalem to their modern day
lives. They’ll discuss how Jesus can be part of life today, just as he
was part of everyday life in Bible times. This unique approach to hands-on
learning is one the children and volunteers alike won’t soon forget.
Please register early (forms available in the church office) to help with planning
and be sure to invite your neighbors and friends.
June 5 Third Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Genesis 12:1–9
Psalmody Psalm 33:1–12
New Testament Romans 4:13–25
Gospel Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26
June 12 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Genesis 18:1–5
Psalmody Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19
New Testament Romans 5:1–8
Gospel Matthew 9:35–10:8 (9–23)
June 19 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Genesis 21:8–21
Psalmody Psalm 86:1–10, 16–17
New Testament Romans 6:1b–11
Gospel Matthew 10:24–39
June 26 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Genesis 22:1–14
Psalmody Psalm 13
New Testament Romans 6:12–23
Gospel Matthew 10:40–42
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Pioneer Club Car Wash
The Pioneer Club will be holding a car wash at First Congregational Church
on Saturday, June 4th, from 9 a.m. until noon. All proceeds will be sent to
support the school that our pen-pals in Dodji attend.
Opeartiona Crayon
Women from the Thursday monring group packed school supplies
for childrren in Iraq in conjunction with Operation Crayon. We also received
$600
in donations...some
from church members and even more from “strangers” who read Rick
Koch’s request in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Monday, June 13, noon.
Please email to Beth
Linscott at ddinc@wi.rr.com or Sam Schaal at schaals@firstchurchtosa.org.
Hard copy may be brought to the church office and left in the Columns mailbox.
Rev. Steven Peay, Ph.D., Minister
Rev. Samuel Schaal, Associate Minister
Rev. Carrie Kreps Wegenast, Associate Minister
Rev. Charles Goldsmith, Ph.D., Congregational Home Chaplain
Cindy Payette, Administrator
Lee Jacobi, Director of Music
Betty Dethmers, Organist
Anne Callen, Office Manager
Sharon Cook-Bahr, Secretary
Charles Nelson, Pres./CEO, Congregational Home, Inc.
*
Congregational Columns (USPS 010-493) is published monthly by The
First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, 1511 Church St., Wauwatosa,
WI 53213-2593, 414/258-7375. Periodical Postage Paid at Milwaukee, WI
53203-9998. Postmaster: Send address changes to Congregational Columns,
1511 Church St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213-2593.
Vol. 20, Issue 6
